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Is there a link between depression and inflammation?

Jacques Roche

Depression, often referred to as a mental condition, can negatively change your outlook on life, leaving you lacking energy and little hope for the future. It is, however, true that most people do have odd bouts of depression. However, if this ‘down’ feeling lingers longer than just a few days, you could be suffering from depression properly. Researchers have been studying the link between mind and body, leading to insights into the condition of depression. Research has uncovered that depression is more than merely psychological ─ it involves biological and physical aspects. Depression could even be triggered by an allergic reaction to inflammation.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms can vary from:

  • A loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Withdrawal from social events
  • Pervasive sadness
  • Lack of energy
  • A feeling of worthlessness
  • Increased eating or drinking
  • Suicidal thoughts.

The issue of inflammation

Inflammation is not all bad; it’s the body’s way of reacting to an infection or a virus. With that process, immune cells and proteins, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, are released into the blood to protect the areas affected. Cytokine, a type of protein, is also released, facilitating intercellular communication. Researchers have found that people with depression have an overload of cytokine proteins.

What causes inflammation?

Inflammation is not only caused by an infection or even an injury ─ it may also be caused by eating certain foods. High sugar and trans-fat diets can cause inflammation. In the case of overweight people, fat normally gathers around the waist. It is in this area that the body stores cytokines. Another factor triggering inflammation is stress. Stress can lead to overeating and other symptoms of depression.

The link between inflammation and depression and what it means for the treatment of depression

Studies have found that depression is an allergic reaction to inflammation. As such, a new approach is needed to treat depression, rather than simply a neurological approach (psychotherapy, medication, and electroconvulsive therapy). Anti-inflammatory medication could be added to antidepressant medication to augment treatment, offering better results. However, these medications need not be chemical. Instead, the inflammation should be treated. Natural anti-inflammatory treatments include omega-3 or turmeric, which will keep the cytokines at bay. Supplements should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise. The implication of this approach is that depression should preferably not be seen as a mental illness but rather as an infectious disease. A blood test should be developed to indicate the level of inflammation.

Bottom line

Depression has been seen as a mental illness and a weakness. However, if inflammation is the cause, we may need to look beyond mere chemical imbalances. In this way, we would combat the stigma associated with depression, referring to it in the same vein as a perceived common inflammatory disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, there could possibly in the future be a vaccine developed to treat the inflammation. This may still take years to achieve. However, this will not mean that traditional treatments for depression should be ignored.


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